Suspect leak - Rear Light Mount Removal

[Bowlerwell]

I seem to have developed a leak, and am getting water inside my boot on the right hand (driver's) side. (same side as the washer fluid inlet)
I'm quite sure the seal with the boot is fine, but I suspect that there is a dodgy seal between the top of my rear light cluster and the bodywork.

How do I get in to inspect?

I tried to remove the black plastic strip along the top of the boot, but even with all the screws out, it wasn't budging.
Will I need to remove the light cluster and inspect from there?

I'd appreciate it if someone (or several folks) could walk me through the steps on how to remove the cluster. Photos would be good too.

Thanks folks!!!

JohnB

[s2driveruk]

From memory there are two clips hidden behind the centre surround where the number plate is which need to be unscrewed before the trim lifts off. Check how tight the two nuts are on the light cluster where they fix to the bodywork, mine were quite loose and this slowed down the ingress a bit but to be honest its probably going to be a couple of hours work to sort that out.

Cheers....David

[Bowlerwell]

and the "centre surround" just pulls off?

[dan_b]

I've tried and failed to do this myself - some BTDT with photos of where all the screws are would be great!

[Nuvo]

and the "centre surround" just pulls off?

No! You'll break it. See the black peice of trim which surrounds the edge of the boot and the lock catch assy? There are 4? oval plugs which need to be removed to reveal large philips scre heads. Unscrew these.


See the plastic bits at each side of the boot use to clip the parcel shelf in place? Remove these too. Remove the trim from the boot edge now. Be careful, you will probably need a small flat blade driver to GENTLY tease out the trim around the lock area.

The are also x4 circular tabs on the inner edge of this black trim, I think you squeeze and twist to remove. I can't remember exactly, though they can be removed without damage also.

Now pull the boot carpet to one side to reveal two M8? nuts - remove these.
If your rear licence plate is screwed to the surround remove these too.

Now you can unplug the licence plate light cable and remove the centre surround.

Now the time consumming part:

If you look at the rear of the cluster you will see x6? M8? nuts holding the taillight in place. You guessed it, remove these too. Chances are your leak is on the drivers side where the boot lock is. Remove the connecting rod from the clip, and you are now ready to separate the lamp from the body shell.

This takes time a lot of time! Above all else be patient. I used an old kitchen knife to insert between the lamp and the body, working my way into and around the black sealant. Eventually you will be able to remove it without damage.

Clean up the cluster, reapply fresh sealant cord NOT silicon crap. Then just reverse your steps. Job done!

Have a cold one and admire your handy work.

Nuvo.

[Bowlerwell]

Thanks Nuvo!!
Where will I get "fresh sealant cord" from?

[Nuvo]

You should be able to get it from any good motor factors. It comes in a hexagonal shaped box. I think it's made by Terrostat (sp?) if I remember. It's identical to the original sealing cord.

Nuvo.

[Bowlerwell]

like this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-x-50m-LOCTIT...QQcmdZViewItem

[Nuvo]

No ignore that. I'll see if I can find you a link. Here you go:
http://content.loctite-europe.com/Teroson/Terostat-VII.htm

It's available in black and white. You want the black stuff. There's also a data sheet (PDF) at the foot of the page.

Nuvo.

[Bowlerwell]

Thanks very much Nuvo. I just need go go find somewhere that sells it.

Thanks very much!!

JB

[Nuvo]

You're welcome.

[Alistair C]

Totally agree with Nuvo on the sealant cord stuff.

Silicone sealant just doesn't last. You can get the cord from a dealers - but is only comes in boxes of 5 strips - costing ~ £25.
If you're lucky, a dealer may split a box / give you a freebee (yes I once met a generous stealer!)

One strip is enough to do 2 lights.

[Bowlerwell]

Seal is now replaced... I'll soon find out whether the job was successful or not. And yes, it did take a long time.
If someone can tell me where I can host pictures, I'll put up a description of the procedure...